Over the years, we have had the pleasure to work with many many charities all across North America and to attend, assisting with some real HUGE events. But commonly, we help with a normally sized charity fundraising events (attendance within 200 to 300 people). One of the most mistakes we see and advise not to do is, to set up a Silent Auction in sections. That means, all the Sports items in one area, jewelry in another, vacation packages another etc.
The mistake
is, although unknowingly by the folks who set it up is – it actually divides
their guests to go to the area they like the most. Everyone is separated without getting
everyone to review everything available.
The biggest
mistake is, the items begin to have the “Zebra” look. Do you know why Zebras are Black & White,
all with similar stripes? Because when
they are in a heard, their prey (Lions) cannot discern one from another. When you put all the same type of items
together, it becomes a huge bunch of the same thing – regardless if it’s a Ring,
Necklace or Earrings. The items actually
compete with each other and drive down the bidding potential. The term is “Splitting the Bid.” This forces people to only focus on one item –
instead of bidding on as many items as they like.
For
instance, picture a few tables all displaying Gift Baskets, let’s say 20
baskets. Can you picture it? All those baskets blend together, making the
Silent Auction boring.
The test is –
after setting it up, step back and look at it.
Everything is all the height and all look similar – boring to the eye.
However, now
picture this – while setting up your Silent Auction, mix everything. A Gift Basket next to a Sports item, with a
piece of jewelry sitting at the seam between the two items. Then a Vacation Package, donated pocketbook
(Miscellaneous item). Then an
autographed Jersey, sitting next to framed picture and so on.
Ensure that
no similar items are near each other.
That way, each item stands alone and has no competitive items
nearby. This makes sure each item has
its own space, placing all focus on the items individually. You will also see that the bids will be much higher and more items will get bid on. It's a proven tactic and our secret....shhhhhh!!!
Then step
back. What do you see? It’s exciting and will draw people to
it. With items of different sizes,
colors…making the appearance of a much wider variety of items.
Your guests
will then walk through and review everything like the Ikea design described above instead of just the section that
appeals to them the most. It also adds
excitement and “POP” to your room you are having your silent auction.
Try it…you
be the judge. If you have questions,
contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you further with other
exciting ideas.
Remember –
Excited, happy people make Excited, Happy bidders!!! Adding this new way of setting up your Silent
Auction will create excitement around your event.
BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a leader in Charity Fundraising across North America in
a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.
Today, with 104 million registered U.S. Non Profits, the charities who
host the most exciting charity fundraising events will attract the most
attendance/guests at their events. The
expert fundraisers at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising are leaders and the only
expert charity fundraisers in the country commonly planning, managing and hosting incredibly memorable charity fundraising events. If you would like to your next charity
fundraising event to be as memorable as possible, creating excitement and
surpassing your fundraising goals, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.
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